Many outdoors brands have been working to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment in recent years. For example, The North Face, along with competitors Patagonia and Arc’teryx, is involved with Opening Up the Outdoors, a movement to make the outdoors safer for everyone.
In a section on its website labeled “Beyond a month,” The North Face notes that it supports Brave Trails, a nonprofit dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, and YouthSeen, an organization that supports queer, trans, Black and Indigenous People of Color year-round.
Earlier on Wednesday, Target said it would remove some of its LGBTQ+ products after complaints, pointing to “volatile circumstances” and employee safety. The backtracking move prompted criticism from LGTBQ+ supporters such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom. In addition, some asked about the role of law enforcement amid such violence against businesses.